Western suburbs this week.

Vfw To Discuss Va Spending Plan

April 18, 1999|By A digest of coming events, compiled by Joan Giangrasse Kates.

BATAVIA — Concerned by a potential $3.1 billion budget shortfall in the Veterans Affairs health care system next year that could seriously erode the quality and quantity of health care for thousands of Illinois veterans, the Batavia Overseas Post 1197, Veterans of Foreign Wars, will address the issue at a town hall meeting.

The federal budget agreement approved two years ago froze funding for the VA health care system at 1997 levels for five years. The budget proposed by the administration for fiscal year 2000 provides no additional appropriations to support veterans' health care.

Critics say the budget proposal presents potential shortfalls in funding for health care and the processing of veterans' claims. Backlogs and delays in adjudicating claims currently force veterans to wait many months, even years, to see a claim settled.

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7 to 9 p.m. Monday, in the Hangar of the VFW post home, 645 S. River St., Batavia.